Julia Louis-Dreyfus returns for Season 4 of her award-winning podcast, Wiser Than Me™. Each week, she has funny, touching, personal conversations with iconic older women who are brimming with the kind of unapologetic attitude and wisdom that only comes with age. Julia sits at the feet of some extraordinary teachers this season, and of course her 91-year-old mom, Judith. Tune in to laugh, cry, and get wise. All Hail Old Women!
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Julia is joined by 85-year-old folk legend and lifelong activist Joan Baez, who is still dancing, still showing up, and still refusing to be quiet. They talk about singing before a quarter million people at the March on Washington in 1963, what made Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. laugh, and what real courage feels like from the inside. Joan opens up about her decades-long struggle with anxiety, forgiveness, and dissociative identity disorder. Oh, and she sings. Three times. Afterwards, Julia calls ...
This week, Julia sits down with 78-year-old Janet Mills, Maine's first female governor, first female DA, and first female AG in the state's history. Governor Mills, who recently suspended her Senate campaign, takes Julia behind the scenes of that legendary White House moment when she looked Trump in the eye, said "see you in court," and won. Julia also learns how Janet navigated the ups and downs of becoming a stepmom to five young girls, and what her Republican family said when she became a Dem...
This week, Julia sits down with 76-year-old trailblazing actress Pam Grier, Hollywood's first female action star. Pam opens up about the childhood injury that left her with a stutter, and how a giant draft horse healed her. She reflects on channeling her mother's quiet strength into the iconic titular character Coffy, gets candid about her Stage 4 cervical cancer diagnosis, and shares thoughts on the unexpected pleasures of aging you did not see coming. Plus, Julia tries to explain karaoke to he...
On this episode of Wiser Than Me , Julia sits down with 74-year-old scene-stealer Jean Smart. They get into the final season of Hacks , the highs and lows of a career in Hollywood and what it feels like when great material finally meets the actor it was meant for. Jean opens up about parenting a teenager in her 70s, dating as a widow, and her family’s witchy past. Plus, Julia shares behind-the-scenes Seinfeld writer’s secrets, and her 92-year-old mom Judy reflects on her days as a beauty queen. ...
We’re coming back with more episodes of Wiser Than Me, and Julia’s still asking older, wiser women to tell her everything they know. It's all on the table – the triumphs, the missteps, and the wisdom that comes from surviving it all. And of course, each episode ends with a check-in from Julia's 92-year-old mom, Judith. New episodes start May 6th, from Lemonada Media.
Julia tells you how you can listen to the brand new episode of Wiser Than Me featuring the one-and-only Cyndi Lauper. Plus, even more new episodes are coming soon! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are heartbroken by the news of Catherine O’Hara’s sudden passing at the age of 71. Her brilliance, humor, and kindness touched so many of us, and we’ve taken comfort in listening back to Julia’s conversation with her from last year. We’re sharing it now as we mourn her loss and celebrate the sheer joy she brought to millions around the world. On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 71-year-old comedy icon – and star of The Studio, Beetlejuice, and Schitt’s Creek – Catherine O’H...
This week, Julia talks with 76-year-old legendary endurance swimmer Diana Nyad about obsession, the body, and attempting extraordinary feats later in life. Diana reflects on the evolution of her extreme swims, the chosen family that sustains her, and why loyalty and friendship are core to her survival. Plus, Julia and her 91-year-old mom Judy discuss their most surprising – but familiar – wrinkles. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wisertha...
On today’s episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia connects with 86-year-old death penalty activist Sister Helen Prejean. They discuss her joyful Southern childhood, early ambitions, and why she can’t put a little money down on her favorite card games – even though she really wants to. Sister Helen reflects on her political awakening, decades fighting the death penalty, and lessons about people and power. Plus, Julia asks her 91-year-old mom, Judy, about attending Catholic grade school and remembers her...
Christmas may be over, but we're still playing "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on repeat, so let's take the opportunity to listen back to Julia's conversation with the Queen of Christmas herself, Darlene Love. This week on Wiser Than Me, Julia is joined by 84-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer Darlene Love. From her early days singing gospel music in her father’s church to backing up icons like Elvis Presley to finally going solo at age 40, Darlene is a case study in never giving up ...
The Wiser Than Me team is taking a little holiday break, but while we’re away, we’re excited to share a few conversations with friends. Today, we’re bringing you Julia’s recent appearance on Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers . Each week, brothers and comedians Seth and Josh Meyers chat with guests about their most memorable family vacations. In this episode, Julia joins the Meyers brothers alongside her own sons to relive some legendary family trips. Subscribe to Family Trips wherever you ge...
The Wiser Than Me team is taking a little holiday break, but while we’re away, we’re excited to share a few conversations with friends. Today, we’re bringing you an episode of the hit podcast Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend . Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend is a weekly opportunity for legendary late-night comedian Conan O’Brien to hang out with the people he enjoys most and perhaps find some real friendship along the way. In this episode, Julia joins Conan to chat about the inspiration for Wiser Than ...
The Wiser Than Me team is taking a little holiday break, but while we’re away, we’re excited to share a few conversations with friends. Today, we’re bringing you Julia’s recent appearance on Good Hang with Amy Poehler . On Good Hang , Amy sits down with brilliant guests like Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, and Ina Garten to talk about careers, mutual friends, and the things they’re genuinely excited about. It’s not about self-improvement or advice. Amy just wants to have a good time and invite you along...
On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia is joined by 78-year-old actress Glenn Close, who reflects on growing up in the Moral Re-Armament cult, her iconic work in Fatal Attraction and the new Knives Out , and the tenacity, talent, and forgiveness that have shaped her life. She also shares the impact of her grandmothers, how becoming one has changed her, and an incredible reveal from the set of The Natural . Meanwhile, Julia and her mother Judy dive into the fiery women in their own family tree. ...
In this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with visionary 76-year-old photographer Annie Leibovitz for a conversation about ambition, aging and the strange magic of being truly seen: both on camera, and in life. They dig into Annie’s relentless eye for detail and how motherhood rewired her creative instincts. Plus Julia speaks with her 91-year-old mom, Judy, about family photos and why smiling for the camera is harder than it looks. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanm...
In this rerun episode, Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with legendary food writer Ruth Reichl. They delve into profound topics including the art of describing food, dealing with a bipolar parent, the ethics of food criticism, and overcoming body image issues. Reichl shares the best advice she ever received: to embrace things that frighten you and not seek perfection, highlighting how new experiences keep one young and how cooking offers solace during life's challenges. The episode also features Julia calling her mother for cooking advice, reflecting on family food traditions, and a bonus discussion on the transformative power of collaboration in creative work.
As we ease into Thanksgiving week, we’re bringing back Julia’s beautiful conversation with Alice Waters from last year, a chance to revisit her ideas about food, care and community. On today’s episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia welcomes 81-year-old legendary chef, author, and farm-to-table pioneer Alice Waters. They discuss Alice’s incredible career at her groundbreaking restaurant Chez Panisse and together, they explore the philosophy of age, food, and beauty. Julia also asks Alice about the meani...
Julia Louis-Dreyfus hosts legendary New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast for a candid conversation. They delve into Chast's distinctive humor, which often stems from her anxieties and observations on modern life, as well as her acclaimed memoir about caring for aging parents. The discussion also covers Chast's childhood, her approach to parenting, and the unique challenges and joys of her long career as an artist.
Today on the premiere episode of our new season, Julia sits down with 78-year-old comedy icon and Saturday Night Live original cast member, Jane Curtin. They reminisce about the 50th anniversary celebration of SNL and the enduring friendships Jane formed with the women of that first cast. Jane shares the story of meeting her husband of 50 years, Patrick Lynch, their hands-on parenting, and navigating grief after his recent passing. Plus, Julia’s 91-year-old mom, Judy, shares the moment she learn...
Hello listeners, get ready … because a NEW season of Wiser Than Me drops November 12th! In the meantime, we wanted to bring you something a little different: a celebration of wise women everywhere. With a special story directly from a listener, snippets of wisdom from women out and about, and a look back at some of our favorite Wiser Than Me moments, it’s proof that wisdom is all around us. You just have to listen! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jane Goodall passed away at the age of 91. To honor her immense legacy, we wanted to share the extraordinary conversation she and Julia had one year ago. On the Season 3 premiere of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with visionary scientist and conservationist Jane Goodall. The pair discuss Jane’s trailblazing work in Gombe, and how she uses storytelling to drive change. Plus, Julia and her mom Judith discuss the thrilling prospect of surviving a camping trip, courtesy of Julia’s bestie, Paula—beca...
Catherine O’Hara is nominated for two Emmy Awards this year – and ahead of Sunday’s awards ceremony, we wanted to listen back to the hilarious and heartwarming conversation Julia had with her last fall. On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 71-year-old comedy icon – and star of Beetlejuice and Schitt’s Creek – Catherine O’Hara. Catherine and Julia share their improv origin stories and reminisce about the freedom and experimentation of their early comedy careers. They also swap s...
"Mary Poppins" was released in August 1964. To mark the occasion, we're listening back to Julia's conversation with Academy Award-winning icon Julie Andrews. Acclaimed for her enduring roles in both “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music,” among many others, Julie brings a depth of wisdom from a lifetime in the spotlight. The pair discuss the restorative feeling of being in nature, their favorite curse words, and Julie’s 60-year friendship with Carol Burnett. Plus, Julia and her mom, Judy, talk ...
Recently, Julia was a guest on IMO, where Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson bring their candid perspectives to the everyday questions shaping our lives, relationships and the world around us. Each week, they’re joined by a guest to tackle real questions from real folks just like you offering practical advice, personal storytelling, and plenty of laughs. In this episode, Julia discusses the importance of building community in adulthood. Michelle talks about how she’s approaching l...
We are celebrating Isabel Allende’s newest book – My Name is Emilia del Valle – by listening back to the beautiful conversion she had with Julia in Season 1. Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia gets schooled by 82-year-old award-winning author Isabel Allende ( The House of the Spirits ). Isabel enlightens Julia about organic justice, letter writing, and blueberry weed edibles. The two compare notes on everything from postpartum experiences to otherworldly visits from the other side. Follow Wiser Than ...
Listen back to this fascinating interview from season one, where Diane von Furstenberg talks about the relationships in her life – and who she believes the most important one of all is. Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 76-year-old fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg. In this conversation, Diane tells Julia why she’s always looked forward to getting older, the one piece of clothing she thinks every woman should have in her closet, and how she says her mother made her fearless. Plus, Ju...
Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews Dr. Sylvia Earle, a renowned marine biologist, on Earth Day, discussing ocean conservation, the importance of individual action, and Sylvia's remarkable career. They explore Sylvia's deep-sea experiences, the challenges facing our oceans, and practical steps listeners can take to protect marine life. The conversation also touches on balancing a demanding career with personal life and family.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews comedy legend Carol Burnett, exploring her life, career, and wisdom gained over 90 years. Burnett shares stories about Lucille Ball, Harvey Korman, and the importance of kindness, generosity, and finding joy in laughter. The episode also touches on loss, resilience, and the power of human connection.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Isabella Rossellini explore aging, beauty, and the wisdom gained through life experiences. Rossellini shares her journey from modeling to farming, her perspective on aging, and the importance of community and laughter. The conversation also touches on family dynamics, career choices, and the empowering concept of cryptic female choices in the animal kingdom.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews Bonnie Raitt, exploring her musical journey, challenges faced as a woman in music, and the wisdom gained through life's experiences. They discuss the importance of staying true to oneself, the role of music in processing grief, and the hope for a more compassionate future. Julia also shares a heartfelt conversation with her mother about the profound impact of Bonnie's music.
